glazed lounge extension breathes new life into vacant building in portugal

Nelson Resende remodels Portuguese-style house in Macieira

Architect Nelson Resende takes over the reconstruction plan for a vacant building in Portugal, initially conceived as a single-family house. Located in the Macieira district of Santa Maria da Feira, the land object of intervention is positioned at a slightly higher elevation than the adjacent streets. The construction presented a very acceptable quality, given its state of abandonment, and was perceived to display an identifiable architectural style called ‘Português Suave’ a certain appropriation of visual and constructive Portuguese-styled elements. Preserving a certain fashion or way of positioning architecture in the face of culture intrigued the design team that opted for the recovery and restoration of the structure while proposing a new adaptation of the dwelling into a substantially different lifestyle than the previous occupation. The intervention is anchored in a perspective less inclined to recovery and restoration and more apt to alteration and adaptation. The need to maintain the existing elevations imposes a series of specific constraints setting up a new look to the residence.

all images courtesy of Nelson Resende Architects

glazed common area connects the interior and outdoor spaces 

The management by Arada-based architectural studio Nelson Resende Architects involves managing the scale and improves spatial versatility through less excessive compartmentalisation forming a functional physical and visual relationship between the interior spaces and the surroundings. The layout of the residence arranges the private use program on the upper floor setting the bedrooms in direct contact with balconies and outdoor spaces. The common areas located on the ground floor interconnect to each other and to the exterior zones such as the garden and terraces through a flexible plan. The reconstruction introduced slight modifications and the transformation of an enclosed mass into a glass volume opening the space to its surroundings. The exterior and interior arrangements defined the circulation in the areas of permanence and the continuity of the compartments. The project establishes efficiency in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation while utilizing an extensive use of wood for the infrastructure, in slabs, walls and partitions. The restorative plan decisively contributes to the visual and structural refinement of the residence.

1/4

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: House in Macieira
architect: Nelson Resende

location: Macieira, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom